How to replace a lost driver's license in Colorado

You can replace a lost Colorado driver's license through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have two main routes: go in person to a DMV office, or mail in your request with the required documents. The in-person route usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and you can drive home with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no trip to an office.

Either way, you will need to bring or send proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and payment. Colorado charges $20 for a standard replacement license. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should also report it to local police and bring the report number with you, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any Colorado DMV office or by mail, and the in-person route gives you a temporary license to drive home the same day.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof that you live in Colorado, and $20 in payment.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number with you to the DMV office or include it with your mail request.
  • The DMV website lists all office locations and hours, and you can find the nearest one to you without calling ahead.

What documents you need to bring or send

Colorado requires two pieces of identification to replace a lost license. The first must be a government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you do not have a government photo ID, you can use two non-photo government IDs instead, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate.

You also need proof that you currently live in Colorado. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your ID does not show your current address, bring both the old document and the new one.

Bring your $20 payment in cash, check, or debit card. If you are mailing your request, send a check or money order — the DMV does not take credit cards by mail.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

Find the DMV office nearest you on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. The state has offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and several other cities. Each office keeps its own hours, so check the website for the location you plan to visit before you go.

Walk in during business hours with your documents and payment. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to replace a lost license. They will take your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. You can drive legally on this temporary license while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Your permanent license will arrive within two to three weeks.

Replacing your license by mail

read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card form (Form DL-43) from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill it out completely, including your current address and the reason you are requesting a replacement (lost or stolen).

Mail the completed form along with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include your $20 check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your current phone number on the envelope so the DMV can contact you if there are questions.

The DMV will process your request and mail your new license to the address you provided. This usually takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive during this waiting period unless you have another valid ID.

If your license was stolen

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You can do this in person or, in many Colorado cities, online through the police department's website. Keep the report number — you will need it.

Bring the police report number with you to the DMV office, or include it in your mail request. This tells the DMV that your license was taken rather than misplaced, which can help if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. The DMV will flag your record and may issue you a new license number instead of reissuing the same one.

What to do while you wait for your new license

If you went in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and most other purposes. Keep it with you while you drive. If you mailed your request, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so arrange rides or use other transportation during the two to three weeks you are waiting.

If you need to travel by air before your permanent license arrives, bring your temporary license and another form of government ID to the airport. TSA will accept this combination. If you mailed your request and do not have a temporary license, you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

Colorado does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must go in person to a DMV office or mail your request. The in-person route is faster if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

What if I moved out of state and lost my Colorado license?

You can still mail in your replacement request from anywhere. Send your documents to the DMV address on the Form DL-43. If you have moved to another state and want a license there instead, you will need to get a license from your new state — Colorado will not mail a replacement to an out-of-state address.

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?

No, a police report is not required. You can replace a lost license without one. A report is helpful if your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud, but it does not speed up the replacement process.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement license costs $20. This is the same price whether you go in person or mail your request. There are no additional fees for a lost or stolen license.

What if the DMV says my documents are not acceptable?

Call the DMV office where you plan to go and describe your documents before you visit. If you are mailing your request and the DMV rejects your documents, they will send them back with an explanation. You can then resubmit with different documents or visit an office in person.